“CHAMPS” CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR AMPS AT WINNIPEG CHILD AMPUTEE SEMINAR

August 20, 2018 – The War Amps 2018 Western Child Amputee (CHAMP) Seminar starts this Friday in Winnipeg where young amputees from across the Western provinces will help celebrate the Association’s 100th anniversary.

The theme of the Seminar is, “Celebrating 100 Years!” The War Amps was started in 1918 by amputee veterans returning from the First World War to provide each other with support. Today, The War Amps continues to support war amputees, and all amputees, including children.

When:

August 24 - August 26, 2018

Where:

Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre
1808 Wellington Avenue

Running August 24 to 26, the Seminar is a life-changing experience for “Champs” and their parents, covering everything from raising a child amputee, to dealing with teasing and staring, to seeing the latest developments in artificial limbs.

Media are welcome to attend the following sessions. Interviews with local Champs and War Amps representatives can be arranged at any time.

Friday, August 24

10:30 a.m.

News Conference – “The War Amps Celebrates 100 Years!” (Embassy D) Member of Parliament Doug Eyolfson and local child amputees will mark The War Amps 100th anniversary with the Western unveiling of a Canada Post commemorative envelope. Champs will also give a short demonstration of the artificial limbs and recreational devices they use to lead independent and active lives.

6:45 p.m.

Welcoming (Centennial 3/4/5) The War Amps welcomes Champs and their families to the Seminar and introduces the Seminar theme, “Celebrating 100 Years!”

Saturday, August 25

8:50 a.m.

PLAYSAFE! (Embassy C) Champs will view the new War Amps safety video, PLAYSAFE: Don’t Let It Happen to You and learn how they can become Safety Ambassadors and teach other children how to PLAYSAFE.

10:15 a.m.

Healthy Living for Arm Amputees (Centennial 10)
Healthy Living for Leg Amputees (Centennial 3/4/5)
Healthy Living for Partial Hand Amputees (Centennial 8/9)
Healthy Living for Multiple Amputees (Embassy D) Champs learn how to lead healthy lives and look at new ways to accomplish everyday activities. Champs will also demonstrate their artificial limbs and devices.

1:15 p.m.

Feature Presentation (Centennial 3/4/5)CHAMP Graduate Kristian Hammerback, of Winnipeg, was born a left arm amputee. In an engaging “Q&A,” he will reflect on The War Amps 100th anniversary and the impact that the Association has made on his life. His positive message will inspire Champs to face challenges as amputees and live life to the fullest.

1:45 p.m.

What Bugs Me (Centennial 10) Open forum session where Champs talk and share advice about difficult issues they encounter like teasing, staring and “too many questions.”

Sunday, August 26

8:45 a.m.

You Can Be a CHAMP Ambassador (Centennial 3/4/5) Champs receive certificates in recognition of their involvement with The War Amps and for spreading important messages in their community as “CHAMP Ambassadors.”